The artifacts and relics which experts collect from various archaeological evacuations from around the world help human beings to connect with the past. Historians can only theorize and suggest the cultures of such bygone eras and how people during such time would go about their daily lives. However, the objects archaeologists uncover offer a tangible way of visualizing the evolution of human beings during such centuries and where they came from. This is the reason why collectors of all ages consider the hobby of buying ancient antiquities and artifacts a rewarding passion to pursue even if demand always exceeds supply. Unfortunately, counterfeiters and forgers go out of their way to take advantage of the situation by coming up with convincing replicas of various ancient artifacts to sell to such buyers. In the process, they earn their living by deceiving such individuals.

Sadigh Gallery – 3 techniques that experts use to determine the authenticity of an ancient artifact

Sadigh Gallery is a prominent family-owned art gallery in New York specializing in selling genuine ancient artifacts to general public. The experts say even professionals in this field have a very hard time distinguishing genuine ancient artifact from a fake. However, in recent years these specialists have come up with certain foolproof techniques that can help to determine the authenticity of the ancient artifacts, artworks and relics they find during their evacuations in different part of the world. These are as follows:

Use of various form of X-rays

Experts in the field first carry out a thorough investigation that can give them clues to the origin of a particular ancient artifact by analyzing its properties. They try to gain as much information as they can without having to resort to methods that can potentially damage the object. This is the reason why they rely primarily on techniques such as X-ray radiology, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) and optical microscopy. In certain cases, they may even use scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine which period the artifact is from. Forgers and counterfeiters have the necessary skills and craftsmanship to create such convincing replicas of such antiquities. However, they inadvertently overlook critical aspects that cannot fool the eyes of an expert.

Radiocarbon dating

This is a popular technique a proficient archaeologist uses to determine the authenticity of artifacts and antiquities made of organic materials. It involves breaking up certain irrelevant parts of the object to accurately assess which age its belongs to. When an expert examines a fake artifact with this technique, he/she can easily spot various type of inconsistencies.

Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Experts from the scientific community are aware that various types elements found on this planet burn with their own distinct flame. Archaeologists use this principle to determine whether or not the artifacts that come in possession of are fake. They usually burn a certain portion of object to assess the color of the flame it produces. This is gives an indication of elements it contains and whether it belongs to a particular age.

The experts from Sadigh Gallery say the above scientific techniques go a long way in determining whether an ancient artifact is genuine or not. They also advise collectors to buy such items from dealers with a good reputation in the market. This ensure that get value for the money they are spending.